DESIGN CONCEPTS Option C: Seasons Colorado is known for its snowy active winters, hot fun summers, brilliant spring blooms, and dramatic fall color. This design highlights all of these elements in order celebrate the four season s bounty. Winter activities in this design include an ice skating ribbon and various sledding hills. Spring is highlighted in the center of the park by a series of mounds bursting with colors and textures provided by drought tolerant plants. Dramatic fall color is expressed by various trees, shrubs, and plant material. Lastly, in the summer the riparian zone comes to fruition highlighted by a manicured creek side and stunning tall grasses. 26
DESIGN CONCEPTS [SEE APPENDIX C FOR OPTION C SITE PLAN] 27
DESIGN CONCEPTS Option D: Sports and Rec Sports and Rec combines active sports spaces with passive recreation focused on the local ecology. The activities at the park examine existing recreation opportunities, and build on some of the desired amenities in Gypsum. Baseball and a multi-purpose soccer fi eld provide options for team sports, while BMX creates an exciting individual activity. A ½-mile measured path helps users to track exercise distance. Fitness stations, several of which are co-located with the children s playground, accommodate a full-body workout. Adjacent to the playground, the park design draws inspiration from native and adapted plant species. Colorful gardens surround the pavilion and along the stream children learn about their environmental surroundings through nature play. Here, kids are encouraged to manipulate loose objects and interact with organic materials. These experiences help them to develop an understanding of, and appreciation for, the world around them. 28
DESIGN CONCEPTS [SEE APPENDIX D FOR OPTION D SITE PLAN] 29
DESIGN CONCEPTS Option E: Water Play + Overlook Plan Water Play + Overlook takes inspiration from regional parks around Colorado and beyond. Spaces varying in size and programming create a unique experience providing activities for locals and visitors alike. Passing under a ranch arch from the southwest corner, users are greeted with many activities in close proximity to the parking lot. To the south a splash park and river walk allow users to interact with both natural and man-made creek features. Proceed around the circulation path connecting users to open spaces for picnicking as well as playing soccer. South of the soccer fi elds lies an overlook for users to take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. 30
DESIGN CONCEPTS [SEE APPENDIX E FOR OPTION E SITE PLAN] 31
INITIAL PUBLIC FEEDBACK The fi rst initial public meeting was held on January 14th,2015. The meeting was held open house style in the later afternoon in order to create access for more residents to take a look at the work that had been produced. The information that the students were working with was based on information gathered from the fi rst meeting with city offi cials and stakeholders. The presentation itself was very informal. The six schemes that were developed were posted on boards and set around a conference room. Each option had an overall site plan as well as a supplemental board that contained inspiration, visual and design elements in order to convey the theme of that design scheme. The way the boards were presented was intended to allow for visiting residents to fl oat about each display to get an overall sense of what was being developed for the property. All the guest were given access to colored drafting dots that could be placed on the boards in order to indicate design features that they appreciated the most. Sticky notes were also offered to directly place comments on each design. Simple questionnaires were also available for residents to leave feedback, including their favorite and not so favorite design. The questionnaires had a total of 4 questions that would generate feedback to lead the fi nal design process. In total we gathered 41 community feedback forms, 33 sticky notes and 145 draft dot comments. 32
SECTION 3 Preferred Design Concept Refi nement Feedback analysis Active Options Passive Options Final Feedback Final Design Option 34
PREFERRED DESIGN CONCEPTS Each of the fi ve designs had various favorable qualities identifi ed by the community. In Plan A or the mountain theme the community preferred the location of the athletic fi eld, playground implementation, proximal restrooms, neighborhood privacy. The community suggested pickle ball court implementation instead of tennis courts, more seating throughout the park, and a dog park. Characteristics preferred by the community in the Plan B or the Fields option were the view sheds and passive qualities of the space, but would prefer the athletic fi elds to be moved away from the neighborhood. They also suggested a BMX park and ball fi elds. In Plan C, or the Seasons option, the community liked the gardens near the pavilion and seasonal activity. The idea of the skate ribbon was favorable but not realistic for the climate of Gypsum. They also wanted the athletic fi elds near the school and a larger pavilion. In Plan D or Sports + Rec the community supported the adult fi tness stations and the BMX or pump park. They also advocated for open space fi elds to accommodate little and senior league practice and games. Plan E or Water + Play the community enjoyed the dog park, educational gardens, and the water play. They preferred a paved parking lot instead of gravel. Option Refi nement: With the feedback from the community, the design team refi ned and designed two options considering the preferred concepts. One option had a more active regimen while the other was more passive. 35
ACTIVE OPTION [FOR ENLARGED MAP SEE APPENDIX A.1] 36
ACTIVE OPTION DESCRIPTION Neighborhood connection This path connects the existing asphalt path located in the neighborhood just south of the park to the IK Bar Ranch Property. The width of the path will be congruent with the existing asphalt path and the materials proposed are concrete or asphalt. A benefi t of concrete is less heat projecting from the path during the summer months; where as a benefi t of asphalt is more heat convection to melt snow in the winter time. It is also the same material used by the boarding neighborhood. Park Neighborhood landscape separation A highly vegetated landscape is used to separate the south laying neighborhood from the park. This separation will create privacy for the residence as well as help with noise pollution. Vegetation will be mostly evergreen in order to create a year round screen. Berms or small hills will also be contoured in this highly vegetated area to enhance privacy. Perimeter walking path The perimeter path is a 6 feet wide circulating route through the whole site. The length of this path is.5 miles with just two laps equaling a mile. Material suggested for this path is a crusher fi ne or something similar. Crusher fi ne is a permeable material that helps alleviate storm water runoff. It also decreases joint impact on exercise enthusiasts. Asphalt or concrete could also be used. Viewing berm The viewing berm is located just past the baseball homerun fence. During the baseball season it can be utilized by game viewers, whereas during the winter it can be used as a sledding hill. Regulation size baseball field (striped) The regulation baseball size fi eld will be stripped and include a conventional pitching mound. The outfi eld is 195 from the grass line to the home run fence. This fi eld could also be striped for regulation softball standards. When games are not in process the fi eld acts as open space for everyone to enjoy. Horseshoe bocce ball pits There are two horseshoe and bocce ball courts are located to the east of the park. The bocce ball courts are regulation size with dimensions of 13 x 91. The horseshoe pits are 6 x 48. This area also includes benches as well as picnic tables. Central Walkway and public amenities The central walk way is a permeable path that connects the east side of the park to the west side. The path spans 40 wide with two 10 wide paths for pedestrian circulation. Within the 10 wide paths are intermittently spaced ornamental trees approximately 20 apart. The middle 20 wide space is used also for circulation but also acts as a place for rest and relaxation. The middle 20 wide space includes shade structures, picnic tables, fl owering beds, benches, and water features. Large picnic shelter with restrooms The large picnic shelter is a permanent structure located in the center of the central walkway. It provides large area of shade and restrooms. This shelter can be used for teams while waiting for their games to start or anyone needing to get out of the summer heat. This structure could be fabricated out of metal or wood. Water access Water access is located at the east side of the park. Permeable paving and benches surround the channeled water for those to relax and listen to the fl owing stream. The channeled water is approximately 2 feet deep to allow for wading. Kids Play Kids play is located just off the central walkway and just south of the multi-purpose sports fi eld/ open space. This area includes a conventional play structure and areas of nature play. The playground is shaded by trees and is near a shade structure located in the central walkway. There are two restroom sites nearby. On is located at the shade structure (100 ft. away) and the other in the pavilion (80 ft. away) 37
ACTIVE OPTION DESCRIPTION Parking lot with drop off (50 spaces) Upon entering the park users are greeted with a gateway reminiscent of the character of the park. Located far enough off of Grundel Way to the eastern edge allows the parking lot to become a more defi ned space. With 50 spaces with at least 2 handicap spots, the paved lot provides ample space for the events at the pavilion. Placed near the service access to the building, event staff are given easy access to bring catering in. Pump Track Situated around the fenced in dog park is the pump track. Providing a new type of biking excursion both locally and regionally, this feature gives reason for users to attend the park. With varying diffi culties throughout the ramped and mounded dirt track this space aims to accommodate all skill levels. Being essentially a set of varying berms, the location allows for minimization of sound from both the pump track itself and the neighboring fenced in Dog Park. Pavilion The pavilion is located close by the parking for easy drop-off access. The pavilion includes restrooms, warming kitchen, and fl ex space. The pavilion can serve as a gathering place for reunions, weddings, and other various ceremonies. The pavilion has a small courtyard space with potential for fl owering planters and increased outdoor seating. Multi-purpose athletic field The multipurpose fi eld is an open space fi eld that allows for activities like soccer, rugby, and lacrosse to be stripped on to the fi eld if needed. Other activities in this area include but are not limited to volleyball, Frisbee, ultimate Frisbee, sun bathing, etc. Pickle ball courts The pickle ball courts are located in close proximity to the parking lot on the north side. There are 4 courts available for games. Each court is fenced, with the dimensions for the pickle ball courts being regulation size at 20 x 40. Fenced dog park Located in the north-western corner of the park lies the fenced dog park. Easily accessible from the parking lot, users are provided a clean and beautifi ed space for their dogs to run around and interact with others. Both the BMX pump track and the trees on the southern edge provide ways to minimize negative views and sounds associated with the inclusion of a dog park. With dog use restricted elsewhere within the park, this space provides residents a great space to take their dogs outdoors. 38
ACTIVE OPTION 39
ACTIVE OPTION SECTION A SECTION B SECTION C 40
PASSIVE OPTION [FOR ENLARGED MAP SEE APPENDIX B.1] 41
PASSIVE OPTION Neighborhood connection This path connects the existing asphalt path located in the neighborhood just south of the park to the IK Bar Ranch Property. The width of the path will be congruent with the existing asphalt path. Materials proposed are concrete or asphalt. The benefi t of concrete is less heat projecting from the path during the summer. The benefi t of asphalt is more heat to melt snow in the winter time and it is the same material used in the boarding neighborhood. Park Neighborhood landscape separation A highly vegetated landscape is used to separate the south laying neighborhood from the park. This separation will create privacy for the residence as well as help with noise pollution. Vegetation will be mostly evergreen in order to create a year round screen. Berms or small hills will also be contoured in this highly vegetated area to enhance privacy. Perimeter walking path The perimeter path is a 6 feet wide circulating route through the whole site. The length of this path is.5 miles with just two laps equaling a mile. Material suggested for this path is a crusher fi ne or something similar. Crusher fi nes is a permeable material that helps alleviate storm water runoff. It also decreases joint impact on exercise enthusiasts. Asphalt or concrete could also be used. Small Lawn Space Surrounded by smaller berms in the range of 3-5 helping to minimize sound to the surrounding neighborhoods, these small pockets of open space provide area for smaller group activities and individuals alike. Large enough to house smaller soccer practices for kids, as well as space to lounge and enjoy a picnic these pockets allow for impromptu activities. Ornamental/perennial plantings The braided ornamental plantings provide a means for beautifi cation of space and educating users about native fl ora. As a means for providing habitat for local fauna as well as pollinating species they help to break up the space along the inner pathways, while providing a nice backdrop for users within the smaller lawn spaces. Picnic spaces Situated amongst the trees to the eastern edge of the park, various picnic benches with the potential for grills allow users semi-enclosed spaces to gather. Located adjacent to the kids play area, parents can enjoy a meal while keeping a close eye as their kids enjoy the playground structure and water play areas. The picnic spaces provide perfect opportunity for gatherings and birthday parties alike. Developed Water Access Located at the lower east central section of the park, the water access provides both manmade as well as natural water settings for users to enjoy. Easily accessible from the parking lot, pavilion, kids play area, and the picnic spaces; the water area is intended to provide a service that is not currently represented within Gypsum. Both the bridge and the sandstone standing blocks allow people to access the water in a variety of ways, while engaging them with their surroundings. Providing a complimentary backdrop to the water access an emphasis has been placed on an ecological riparian buffer both helping to clean the water and educate the public on native plant species. 42
PASSIVE OPTION Kids Play Area Adjacent to the pavilion lies the kids play area. With an emphasis on both natural aspects and play structures, the kids are provided many ways to grow both mentally and physically. Located between the parking lot and the picnic area, parents are given the opportunity to catch up with friends while easily being able to keep an eye on their kids. Carefully placed trees help provide shade during the warmer months, while having the water area near by allows kids to cool off quickly. Large Lawn The large lawn(s), split by the central path provide spaces for larger group activities as well as pick up sports games. Similar to the smaller areas the berms surrounding the open space provide areas to lounge while minimizing sound to neighboring areas. More of the perennial planting braids provide nice backdrops along the central pathway, while aiding in sectioning off the left space and the right. Trees surrounding the edges allow for users to escape the sun after tossing a Frisbee or kicking around a soccer ball in the large lawn(s). School Access As users make their way either around the circulation path or the central path, they slowly make their way up the embankment to the middle school. By the time they reach the crossroads at the western edge of the park, the grade will have increased by around 10 feet before making their way up the fi nal fi ve feet to the school. By increasing the grade on the western side a more interesting and intuitive space mimics the mountains. Parking Lots - 50 spaces Upon entering the park, users are greeted with a gateway reminiscent of the character of the park. Located far enough off of Grundel Way to the eastern edge allows the parking lot to become a more defi ned space. With 50 spaces with at least 2 handicap spots, the paved lot provides ample space for the events at the pavilion. Placed near the service access to the building, event staff are given easy access to bring catering in. Fenced Dog Park Located in the north-western corner of the park lies the fenced dog park. Easily accessible from the parking lot, users are provided a clean and beautifi ed space for their dogs to run around and interact with others. Both the BMX pump track and the trees on the southern edge provide ways to minimize negative views and sounds associated with the inclusion of a dog park. With dog use restricted elsewhere within the park, this space provides residents a great space to take their dogs outdoors. Pump Track Situated around the fenced in dog park is the pump track. Providing a new type of biking excursion both locally and regionally, this feature gives reason for users to attend the park. With varying diffi culties throughout the ramped and mounded dirt track this space aims to accommodate all skill levels. Being essentially a set of varying berms, the location allows for minimization of sound from both the pump track itself and the neighboring fenced in Dog Park. Pavilion and Pergola Space With a large pergola structure to the south, users are provided space to escape the shade. Located within the plaza of the pavilion, the space becomes a beautiful area to host music, weddings, and other events. When not in use by events a small water feature provides yet another area for families to cool off and escape the warm summer months of Colorado. 43
PASSIVE OPTION 44
PASSIVE OPTION SECTION A SECTION B SECTION C 45
FINAL FEEDBACK City offi cials and the stakeholders reviewed over the two options and suggested further refi nement combining elements from both the active and passive designs. Qualities to keep or add in are as follows: Keep perimeter path around site and show exercise stretching stations. Keep large playground from passive option. Liked pavilion and large pergola space in passive option. Increase parking spaces to 75 spaces. Add another entry access point to parking lot. Create a drop off plaza to connect pavilion plaza. Keep school access to the west and gradually terminate the central walkway. Keep active water access and integrate with central walkway. Change location of bocce ball and horseshoe courts. Relocate pickleball courts. More picnic areas, tables, and small shelters. Keep trees and perennial plantings. 46
FINAL DESIGN OPTION [FOR ENLARGED MAP SEE APPENDIX FINAL] 47
FINAL DESIGN DESCRIPTION Neighborhood connection This path connects the existing asphalt path located in the neighborhood just south of the park to the IK Bar Ranch Property. The width of the path will be congruent with the existing asphalt path and the materials proposed are concrete or asphalt. A benefi t of concrete is less heat projecting from the path during the summer months; where as a benefi t of asphalt is more heat convection to melt snow in the winter time. It is also the same material used by the boarding neighborhood. Park Neighborhood landscape separation A highly vegetated landscape is used to separate the south-laying neighborhood from the park. This separation will create privacy for the residence as well as help with noise pollution. Vegetation will be mostly evergreen in order to create a year round screen. Berms or small hills will also be contoured in this highly vegetated area to enhance privacy. Perimeter walking path The perimeter path is a 6 feet wide circulating route through the whole site. The length of this path is.5 miles with just two laps equaling a mile. Ten fi tness stations are dispersed along this half-mile trail for outdoor resistance training and stretching techniques. Material suggested for this path is a crusher fi ne or something of similar materiality. Crusher fi nes is a permeable material that helps alleviate storm water runoff, while also decreasing joint impact on exercise enthusiasts. Asphalt or concrete could also be used, any of these options provide ADA accessibility. Viewing berm The viewing berm is located just past the baseball homerun fence with an elevation of approximately 10 feet. During the baseball season game viewers can utilize it, whereas during the winter it can be used as sledding hill. The back portion of the view berm is intended to be vegetated with regional plants, potentially including trees, perennials and ornamental grasses. The side facing the baseball should be kept clear of large plants to allow for use. The slope of the berm on the backside would be greater than the side facing the baseball fi eld, allowing for a gentle and comfortable slope on the opposite side. Regulation size baseball fi eld (striped) The regulation baseball size fi eld will be striped and include a conventional pitching mound. The outfi eld is 195 from the grass line to the home run fence. This fi eld could also be striped for regulation softball standards. When games are not in process the fi eld acts as open space for everyone to enjoy. A typical fence line should surround the baseball fi eld but could potential be open at the homerun fence to all unobstructed views from the viewing berm. Demarcation can be shown through the treatment of landscaping including leaving one side overgrown while keeping the baseball fi eld well mowed. Horseshoe pits There are four regulation size horseshoe pits in close proximity to the parking lot and park entrance. The horseshoe pit measures 6 x 48. Benches are dispersed around the pits for seating. Bocce ball There are four regulation size bocce ball pits located just south of the parking lot. Each bocce ball court measures 13 x 91. Benches and picnic tables are dispersed around the courts for seating with larger shade trees surrounding the area to help create a cooler microclimate. 48
FINAL DESIGN DESCRIPTION Central corridor and public amenities The central walk way is a permeable path that connects the east side of the park to the west side. The path spans 40 wide with two 10 wide paths for pedestrian circulation. Within the 10 wide paths are intermittently spaced ornamental trees approximately 20 apart. The middle 20 wide space is used also for circulation but also acts as a place for rest and relaxation. The middle 20 wide space includes shade structures, picnic tables, fl owering beds, benches, and water features. Shade structures within the site can be a customized or be a traditional shelter similar to the sports complex in town. Another shade structure option are shade sails, which are less obstructive and also offer versatility. There are two types of fl owering bed styles present in the design of the central corridor. The fi rst option is a smaller rectangular fl owering bed with perennial fl owers and the second option is a larger square planter that can include ornamental grasses, perennial fl ower and a larger shade tree. The material used to create these planters could be concrete, corten steel, or brick mortar style. Two sides of each planter are intended to have bench seating to a create place for rest and gathering. Large picnic shelter with restrooms The large picnic shelter is a permanent structure located in the center of the central walkway. It provides large area of shade and restrooms. This shelter can be used for teams while waiting for their games to start or anyone needing to get out of the summer heat. This structure could be fabricated out of metal or wood. The purpose of this large structure is to help create a break over the length of the central walk. The restrooms can be marked as unisex restrooms or male/female. The space currently allocated for them would allow for ADA accessibility as well as potential two stalls per locations. Developed Water Access Located at the lower east central section of the park, the water access provides both manmade as well as natural water settings for users to enjoy. Easily accessible from the parking lot, pavilion, kids play area, and the picnic spaces; the water area is intended to provide a service that is not currently represented within Gypsum. Both the bridge and the granite standing blocks allow people to access the water in a variety of ways, while engaging them with their surroundings. Providing a complimentary backdrop to the water access an emphasis has been placed on an ecological riparian buffer both helping to clean the water and educate the public on native plant species. The central path dissipates at a loamy type beach where individuals can access the water s edge. Granite or stone blocks can be arranged in a way that makes them easy to walk on or can be scattered throughout the area in a more educational capacity, potentially with engravings of wildlife. This site offers a unique learning opportunity to study a more riparian landscape for the surrounding schools and community. The bridge connection loops to the north just off the central access creating a cove like setting for users to engage the exposed creek. This bridge lies just above the water line and is wide enough to accommodate two people side by side. Kids Play Kids play is located just off the central walkway and just east of the multi-purpose ball fi eld/open space. This area includes a conventional, likely a custom design play structure reminiscent of Gypsum culture with aspects of nature play. The playground is shaded by trees and is near a shade structure located in the central walkway, while being close to the 2 restroom sites nearby. One restroom is located at the shade structure (100 ft. away) with the other being in the pavilion (80 ft. away). 49
FINAL DESIGN DESCRIPTION Parking lot with drop off (75 spaces) Upon entering the park users are greeted with a gateway reminiscent of the character of the park. Located far enough off of Grundel Way to the eastern edge allows the parking lot to become a more defi ned space. With 75 spaces with at least 2 handicap spots, the paved lot provides ample space for the events at the pavilion. Placed near the service access to the building, event staff is given easy access in order to bring catering in. Two entrances allow for easy circulation with the drop off location situated more to the southeast entrance of the park. The parking lots are separated with 25 locations including the handicap stops parallel to the pavilion and another 50 spots between the two entrances. Pavilion and Pergola Space The pavilion is located close by the parking for easy drop-off access. The pavilion includes restrooms, warming kitchen, and fl ex space. Adjacent to the pavilion is a large pergola structure with seating to help extend the space of the pavilion. The pavilion and outdoor pergola space can serve as a gathering place for reunions, weddings, and other various ceremonies. The outdoor seating and pergola space is designed to feel more welcoming with no fence or structure blocking access. Although it is open and not bounded by a fence, the site becomes a bit more intimate and secluded due to the design of the surrounding trees and the pergola structure. Pickle ball courts perennial gardens The pickle ball courts are located in close proximity to the parking lot on the north side of the park. There are 4 courts available for games, with each court being fenced. The dimensions for the pickle ball courts are 20 x 40. In close proximity to the pickle ball courts lies a large perennial garden providing a separation backdrop to the dog park, the plantings provide a means for beautifi cation. A potential alternative to pickle ball courts can be the inclusion of a tennis court, a mixture of the two activates can provide additional amenities to park users. Fenced Dog Park Located in the north-western corner of the park lies the fenced dog park. Easily accessible from the parking lot, users are provided a clean and beautifi ed space for their dogs to run around and interact with others. Both the pump track and the trees on the southern edge provide ways to minimize negative views and sounds associated with the inclusion of a dog park. The proposed area of the dog park is currently at 8,500 square feet, ample space for multiple dogs to be present at all times. The longest distances are around 100 feet, so there are great opportunities to throw balls. The ground cover of the dog park can be crushed refi nes to allow a clean surface. A split cedar and wire fence with designated access points controls the areas that dogs could roam in. Multi-purpose athletic field The multi-purpose fi eld is an open space that allows for activities like soccer, rugby, and lacrosse to be stripped on to the fi eld when needed. Other activities in this area include but are not limited to volleyball, Frisbee, ultimate Frisbee, sun bathing, etc. 50